Dining table



June s, 1934 MARENGO 1,961,502

DINING TABLE Filed Dec. 10, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l Louis aMaren 0 BY@ Q Q FL ATTORNEY June 5, 1934. c. MARENGO 1,961,502

DINING TABLE FiledDec. 10, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented June 5, 1934 parts srras r orrie 1 Claim.

This invention relates to dining room tables, and particularly to one designed for the use of large families, in formal banquets, in boarding houses, and in fact any place where a relatively large number of people are gathered for dining purposes about a single table and are expected to help themselves to the various condiments and viands.

Under such circumstances it is necessary with the present type of table for each person desiring any dish of food on the table to request that such dish be passed to him, which frequently requires the aid of a number of people, especially if the dish in question is at the opposite end of the table.

The principal object of my invention is to avoid this inconvenience to the diners by providing a table so constructed that each person can bring any dish of food on the table within his reach and without disturbing anybody else. The table presents an attractive appearance which can be retained whether the table is made of relatively cheap or fine materials and whether it is plain or ornamented, as the type of service for which it is to be used may require.

A further object of the invention is to produce a simple and inexpensive device and yet one which will be exceedingly effective for the purpose for which it is designed.

These objects I accomplish by means of such structure and relative arrangement of parts as will fully appear by a perusal of the following specification and claim.

In the drawings similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several views:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of my improved table.

Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the revolving top unit removed and with the main stationary top also partly removed.

Fig. 3 is a side View of the table, one-half being in section.

Referring now more particularly to the characters of reference on the drawings, the flat work on the table comprises a central block 1 having evenly spaced arms or ribs 2 radiating therefrom. These ribs at their outer ends are connected by straight strips 3 from an endless edging band which conforms in contour to the desired peripheral contour of the main table top. This edging is finished on the outside with the same material and in the same style as is used for the finished parts of the table generally. Evenly spaced legs 4 of any desired form are secured to 55 and depend from certain ones of the ribs just inwardly of the edging band. In the present instance I have shown ten ribs and live legs but this number may be increased or diminished as the size of the table or other conditions may make advisable. Also the edge band in this case is of decagonal outline, and designed to accommodate ten people thereabout, but it can be of circular form if desired.

Resting on and secured to the ribs and edging band is the main table top 5. The outer edge of the table is outwardly of and follows the contour of the edging band, and said top is formed with a large circular opening 6. The radial extent of the top from its outer edge to the adjacent edge of the opening is little greater than is necessary to accommodate an individual dining service. The top may be covered with a glass member 7 of the same shape if desired, under which ornamental place doilies may be disposed. This glass may be omitted and replaced by the special grade of linoleum commonly used for the purpose, or the table may be left plain, according to the taste of the owner and the character of the service to which the table is to be put.

About but relatively close to the table top 5 is an auxiliary circular table top 8 which is finished the same as said top 5 and overhangs the latter about the central opening for a short distance as shown in Fig. 3. Anedging strip 9 depends from under the table 8 and extends all about the same adjacent its periphery. This edging approaches the top 5 so as not to actually touch the same but close enough so that there is no danger of cutlery etc. on the latter being accidently pushed therebetween. The raising of the auxiliary top 8 relative to the top 5 instead of maintaining the two on the same level, prevents any article on the main top from being accidently slid onto the auxiliary top.

A pedestal 10 centrally disposed on the top 8 supports another auxiliary circular top member 11 some distance above the top 8 and constantly smaller in diameter. The two auxiliary tops and the pedestal are connected together by a central spindle 12 passing therethrough. This spindle terminates in its upper end in the top 11 while its lower end projects below the top 8 some distance. A central block 13 is disposed immediately under the top 8 and about the spindle,

a collar 14 being secured to the spindle in engagement with said block. An ornamental cap screw 15 bears against the top 11 and is screwed into the adjacent end of the spindle, as shown in I Fig. 3.

The collar 14 has a close but removable fit with the inner race of a combination annular thrust bearing 16 of a standard anti-friction type, whose outer race is engaged by a ring 17 fixed on the block 1. Said outer race rests on the block 1 while the inner race bears against the block 13. The spindle below the collar 14 turnably projects into the block 1.

With this table construction only the individual services are placed on the main top 5. The various dishes of food are supported on the top 8 while the condiments etc. are carried on the upper top 11. Both auxiliary tops are within arm reach of any adult person seated about the table, and when any individual desires to reach any dish or condiment it is only necessary for him to rest his hand lightly on the top 11 at the periphery and rotate the same until the desired dish is in front of him. Such rotation is had without appreciable efiort on account of the antifriction mounting of the auxiliary top unit. Since the unit may be removed by merely lifting the same up until the spindle clears the bearing, it can be initially loaded in the kitchen if desired and then placed in position on the table.

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that I have produced such a device as substantially fulfills the objects of the invention as set forth herein.

While this specification sets forth in detail the present and preferred construction of the device, still in practice such deviations from such detail may be resorted to as do not form a departure from the spirit of the invention, as defined by the appended claim.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and useful and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A dining table comprising a supporting frame including a central block, a main table top on the frame about and exposing said block, an annular anti-friction bearing unit mounted on the block, the latter having a vertical bore centered with the axis of the inner race of the unit, an auxiliary table top, a central spindle to fit the bore depending therefrom, a member mounted on and under said auxiliary top about the spindle to rest on the inner race, and a circular element clamped to the spindle immediately below said member to removably and snugly fit said inner race.

LOUIS C. MARENGO. 

